Ever since the disaster Mrs Evans has been haunted by nightmares which worsen around the anniversary of the disaster.

She had been told last February that she would have to work nights at the Rizla factory near Pontypridd.

But she told bosses that she could not work nights because of the trauma of Aberfan.

Confidential

Before the case was settled, Mrs Evans said: "I tried the night shift for six months but it was an absolute misery.

"I had nightmares and couldn't eat or sleep. I just could not go on working nights."

In total, 144 people died in the Aberfan disaster

She added that she had not taken a day off work sick until she was asked to work nights.

Mrs Evans, who earned £350 a week, was backed by the General and Municipal Workers' union in her claim against Rizla's parent company Imperial Tobacco.

Mr Evans, a supermarket worker, added: "We were fully prepared to go to the tribunal and fight Janice's case. Our solicitors advised us to settle out of court because apparently two of our witnesses had decided not to give evidence."

Her solicitor Richard Steer said: "I can't talk about the case except to say the settlement was with the agreement of both parties."

Rizla had denied that she was unfairly sacked.

Imperial Tobacco spokesman Simon Evans said: "The matter has been settled out of court and the terms are confidential.

"But there has been no admission of liability on the part of the company."